**11. Challenges and opportunities in providing quality preschool education and care**

Providing quality preschool education and care is essential for young children to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and beyond [46]. However, several challenges and opportunities arise in providing quality preschool education and care, including funding and access issues. Funding is one of the biggest challenges many preschool education and care programs face. High-quality programs require a significant investment of resources, including trained teachers and

#### *Perspectives on Preschool Education and Care DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.111745*

staff, appropriate materials and equipment, and safe and well-maintained facilities. However, many programs struggle to secure the funding needed to provide these resources, limiting their ability to provide high-quality care and education [47].

In addition to funding challenges, there are also issues related to access. Many families, particularly those from low-income or marginalised communities, may not have access to high-quality preschool education and care programs due to geographic, financial or other barriers. This can lead to inequities in educational outcomes and opportunities, with children from disadvantaged backgrounds often starting school at a disadvantage compared to their more affluent peers [48]. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities to address them and promote access to high-quality preschool education and care. For example, several funding sources are available for early childhood education and care programs, including federal and state grants, private donations, and corporate sponsorships. By leveraging these resources and developing partnerships with community organisations, programs can better meet the needs of the children and families they serve.

In addition to funding, there are opportunities to address access issues through innovative program models and approaches. For example, some programs may offer extended hours or transportation services to accommodate better-working families' needs. Others may partner with community organisations to provide healthcare, social services, education and care. Ultimately, addressing the challenges and opportunities in providing quality preschool education and care requires a coordinated and collaborative effort across all sectors of society. By working together, policymakers, educators, families and community leaders can help ensure that all children have access to the high-quality care and education they need to succeed.
